McLaren’s racing director Eric Boullier believes Red Bull broke the new radio restriction ban during the Singapore Grand Prix when it gave Daniel Ricciardo driving advice.
The Australian was suffering from a battery issue which Red Bull believed was caused by riding the kerbs. The team were repeatedly heard telling him to avoid the kerbs.
“Avoiding exit kerbs may help the problem with the car,” was the exact message relayed to Ricciardo during the race a number of times.
Boullier reckons it was close to the limit, but refused to confirm if McLaren would pursue the issue, insisting it’s up to the FIA to step in should they believe it illegal.
“I think it was coded, yes,” explained the Frenchman. “It is up to the FIA to investigate, so it is not for me to say anything.
“But it was a strange message. Once would have been OK, but twice or three times is a bit strange.”
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner however insists the message was cleared with race director Charlie Whiting.
“Obviously we spoke to Charlie and told him Daniel had some reliability issues,” he confirmed.
“That was why he was told to stay off the kerbs, because that was causing damage to the battery.”
